Juza from JuzaPhoto.com had a chance to play with the upcoming, but yet-to-be-officially-announced EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x. As with most previews, he was not allowed to post any images taken with the lens.

The interesting part of the article is at the end where he claims the lens will be available in mid 2014. That’s still a pretty long wait!

“One last thought is about price and availability. Canon has not said anything about price, but it won’t be cheap – my bet is between $9000 and $10000; availability is expected in mid 2014. As soon as the final version will be in production I’m going to try it to see its real image quality!”

London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today announces the development of a telephoto zoom lens featuring an integrated focal length extender – the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x. The lens will be displayed for the first time during CP+, held in Yokohama, Japan.

Designed for Canon’s leading range of EOS Digital SLR cameras, the new lens will be an ideal addition for sports and wildlife photographers, offering exceptional flexibility with a built-in 1.4x extender that creates an increased focal range of 280 – 560mm.

Perfect for photographers who require high performance, fast aperture and a flexible telephoto range, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4× will enable photographers to shoot a greater breadth of subjects using a single lens, delivering the best possible image quality at all focal lengths.

Developed as a new addition to Canon’s acclaimed L-series of professional lenses, the new lens will offer an unsurpassed combination of versatility, first-class optical performance and an enhanced weather-proof construction. The model will be released as part of Canon’s continued development of its EF lens line-up, offering enhanced performance and improved functions that cater for the needs of photographers from beginners through to professionals.

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x is scheduled for launch during 2011.

Black eye indeed. This has gone beyond ridiculous and has moved into surreal ...

But Sigma will probably have one out and available for $3500 before this hits the street.

+1 - EXACTLY what I was thinking.

I've been sending Sigma annual e-mails for several years, asking them to make a 200-500 f/4, basically a big brother to their 120-300 f/2.8. It might weigh a bit more than the 200-400 but would almost certainly be cheaper.